Its main functions are to give advice on the architecture, archaeology, art and history of places of worship; the care and maintenance of church buildings and their contents; and the care and maintenance of churchyards.
For the most part, the DAC advises churchwardens, PCCs and clergy who are planning work to their churches, and advises the Chancellor whether or not a faculty should be granted. This advice is given on a voluntary basis by members of the Committee, supported by a team of consultants and advisers on specialised topics such as bells, brasses, clocks, lighting, organs and trees.
Caring for church buildings is a great challenge for churchwardens and PCCs. The DAC provides advice, support, and encouragement at all stages of projects, from initial thoughts, through fundraising and making a faculty application, to completion, whether it be quinquennial repairs, reordering, or a new extension, whether on a small or large scale. As well as producing guidance notes and other published material (see below), the DAC and its consultants are happy to visit parishes to offer their expertise and experience – the earlier in the process, the better.
DAC Design Awards Scheme
The DAC administers the Design Awards Scheme, which recognises excellence in design and craftsmanship, and to encourage the commissioning of individual designs rather than resorting to standard catalogue items. The scheme applies to everything which requires faculty consent, from small items such as candlesticks and light fittings, to stained glass, memorials, sculpture, paintings, furniture, etc., through to reordering schemes, whole building developments, cremated-remains areas in churchyards, or tree planting project
See which churches received our Highly Commended Design Awards in 2017.
The next Design Awards Scheme is scheduled for early 2019 - please check this space in October / November 2018 for application forms
Useful Links
For further information, please contact the DAC Secretary, Sandra Turner - 01245 294423, DAC Assistant, Joanne Beaumont - 01245 294413 or follow the links below:
Risk Assessment of your church
- How to carry out Risk Assessment of your church - Ecclesiastical Insurance Link
- How to Use fire-risk-assessment-form - Ecclesiastical Insurance
- PDF - General Risk Assessment Form - Eccelesiastical Insurance
- Tower Beacon Guidance (The commemorations of the end of the First World War in 2018 has given rise to fresh interest in beacons on church towers. Ecclesiastical has revised its guidance on church tower beacons)
Other Links
- A & B Lists (Rules 3.2 and 3.3)
- Additional Matters Order - To install Commonwealth War Graves Signage
- Agenda and Meeting Dates 2018
- Agenda and Meeting Dates 2019
- Bats in Churches Partnership Project - Heritage Lottery fund
- Church Buildings Council - Statement of Significance and Needs
- ChurchCare (CBC) Guidance Notes Including - Funding - Sources of Funding for Conservation Projects
- Charitable Grants for Churches
- Essex Police - Crime Prevention Strategy
- The DAC and the Faculty Process - Currently Under Revision
- DAC Constitution
- DAC Advisors and Consultants
- DAC Members
- The Changing Church - a guide to developing and adapting church buildings
- Redundant Organs guidance
- Useful Addresses e.g. Registry, SPAB, Historic England & Others
- The Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2015 #1568 (Came into force 1st January 2016)
The following websites also contain useful information and advice:
- Ancients Monuments Society
- Church Care (Church Buildings Council)
- Ecclesiastical Insurance
- Historic England
- Essex County Council
- Friends of Essex Churches Trust
- Funds for Historic Buildings
- Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
- Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
- Victorian Society
- Natural England
- Faith in Maintenance
- Building Conservation
- War Memorial Trust
For more information please contact Sandra Turner
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